We are implementing nano- and micro-technologies to develop a miniaturized electron impact ionization mass
spectrometer for planetary science. Microfabrication technology is used to fabricate the ion and electron optics, and a
carbon nanotube (CNT) cathode is used to generate the ionizing electron beam. Future NASA planetary science
missions demand miniaturized, low power mass spectrometers that exhibit high resolution and sensitivity to search for
evidence of past and present habitability on the surface and in the atmosphere of priority targets such as Mars, Titan,
Enceladus, Venus, Europa, and short-period comets. Toward this objective, we are developing a miniature, high
resolution reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometer (Mini TOF-MS) that features a low-power CNT field emission
electron impact ionization source and microfabricated ion optics and reflectron mass analyzer in a parallel-plate
geometry that is scalable. Charged particle electrodynamic modeling (SIMION 8.0.4) is employed to guide the iterative
design of electron and ion optic components and to characterize the overall performance of the Mini TOF-MS device via
simulation. Miniature (< 1000 cm3) TOF-MS designs (ion source, mass analyzer, detector only) demonstrate simulated
mass resolutions > 600 at sensitivity levels on the order of 10-3 cps/molecule N2/cc while consuming 1.3 W of power and
are comparable to current spaceflight mass spectrometers. Higher performance designs have also been simulated and
indicate mass resolutions ~1000, though at the expense of sensitivity and instrument volume.